Filing system and elements therefor

ABSTRACT

A filing system for the compact filing of information having a file container with a plurality of backing cards in said container. Cooperating between said file cards are fulcrum means positioned near the bottom edges of said backing cards and with support means for supporting the backing cards adjacent a fulcrum means, the parts being so arranged as to permit selected backing cards normally supported in a substantially vertical position to be separated or fanned apart at their top edges so that information on the upper portions of said backing cards may be accessible upon a limited number of cards. Also positioned between the backing cards are data cards which are supported by a data card support positioned above the fulcrum means. Access may be had to the data cards upon &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;fanning&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; of a limited group of backing cards.

United States Patent Spees 1 Oct. 21, 1975 I5 FILING SYSTEM AND ELEMENTS2.687.732 8/1954 Wassell.. THEREFOR 2.954.032 9/l960 Dahl, Sr....3,30l,263 H1967 Spees........ l l lnwmori Arthur w 14802 Ridgeboro3,465,460 9/1969 Dahl, Jr. 40 1055 Place, Tustin, Calif. 92680 [22] Fild; ()CL 10 1972 Primary Examz'rzerMelvin D. Rein Assistant Examiner.lohnH. Wolff [21] Appl 296'020 Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Whann & McManigalRelated U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No,883,1l3, Dec. 8. [57] ABSTRAQT 1969. Pat. No 3,785,520, which is acommummmmpan of 5er- NO 612.202 Jan 27 A filing system for the compactfiling ot information i967, abandoned, which is a continuationin-part ofhm'lng a me container with a plurality 9f hacking Ser. No. 328,798. Dec.9, 1963, Pat. No. 3,301,263. Cards in said container, Cooperatingbetween said Filc cards are fulcrum means positioned near the bottom[52] US. Cl 40/78; 40/1055 edges of said backing cards and with supportmeans [5t] Int. Cl. B42F 17/00 for supporting the backing cards adjacenta fulcrum [58] Field of Search 40/784813, means, the parts being soarranged as to permit se- 40/l05.5, 360, 68.6 lected backing cardsnormally supported in a substantially vertical position to be separatedor fanned apart [56} References Cited at their top edges so thatinformation on the upper UNITED STATES PATENTS portions of said backingcards may be accessible upon 834,294 10/1906 Gremplc H 40/78 a limitednumber of cards. Also positioned between 1'053'009 2/1913 Carver u 40/78the backing cards are data cards which are supported 11250568 12/1917Dayton 40/78 by a data card support positioned above the fulcrum 13355732 193 gtrasselum 0 3 means. Access may be had to the data cards upon2,371,713 3/1945 Short i, 40/360 Tanning of a limited group of backingcards. 2,586,039 2/l952 Heggedal 40/125 A 2,630,219 3/1953 Pierce40/7813 19 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures US. Patent Oct. 21, 1975 Sheet 1of 2 3,913,250

FIG-.4

US. Patent Oct. 21, 1975 Sheet 2 of2 3,913,250

' 'IIIIIIIIIII FIG-.5

FIG-.9

FIG-.IO

FILING SYSTEM AND ELEMENTS THEREFOR This application is acontinuation-in-part of my copending application Ser. No. 883,113, filedDec. 8, 1969, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,785,520 which is acontinuation-in-part of my application Ser. No. 612,202, filed .Ian 27,1967, now abandoned said application being, in turn, acontinuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 328,798, filed Dec. 9,1963, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,301,263.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This inventionrelates to filing systems and more particularly to visible indexingsystems and elements thereof for the compact storage and high speedretrieval of data in the form of printed material, microfilm, microficheand the like.

2. Discussion of the Prior Art Various types of visibly indexed filingsystems for the storage of printed material in the form of file cardsand for the storage of information in the form of microfilm jackets andmicrofiche are known in the prior art. The basic objects of thesesystems typically involve the competing requirements of high densityfiling and rapid retrieval of information from the system. To achieverapid retrieval of information, it is necessary to be able toexpeditiously obtain full visibility of the title area of any individualfile element within the system. This goal can, of course, be achieved bydesigning a system wherein the title area of each card in the system isat all times visible. An example of this type of system is the commonlyfound visible card file system in which the file cards are hinged inflat trays with from threesixteenth inch to one-fourth inch of eachindividual file cards exposed by overlapping the elements within thetrays. This type of system has the obvious disadvantage that only arather limited number of file cards can be filed in a given linearspace. For example, the typical hinged type visible file requiresapproximately 23 linear inches to file 69 standard file cards of thetype here being considered. By comparison, my invention as describedherein permits the filing of over 350 file cards in a tray having alength of 16 inches.

In the visible filing of the card form of microfilm or microfiche, whichis one of the applications of the invention described herein,approximately one-half inch is required for display of the title area.One type of visible microfiche file utilizes paper panels in whichoffset pockets are formed to receive the microfiche film card. Visibledisplay of microfiche cards would therefore require 7% inches of spacefor title display. Visible microfiche panels of this type are usually 8%X 1 1 inches and are filed in notebooks. Alternately, they may beside-mounted around a central column to create a tower.

Other visible microfiche files known in the prior art employ individualclear plastic jackets which are contained in multiple-ring binders. Hereagain, the visibility of each title is achieved by the offset filing ofeach fiche.

In each of the above-mentioned visible index files for card or microfilmforms. valuable linear file space must be set aside for title areadisplay, and the total linear dimension of all titles must be searchedwith each reference to the file. Further, sequential or categoricindexing is extremely difficult and viewing is limited to one panel at atime.

One of the most successful vertical filing type of prior art systems isdescribed in U.S. letters Pat. No. 3,301,263 issued to Arthur T. Specs,the present inventor.

Another type of prior art vertical filing system of which I am aware isa magnetic type system which is presently commercially available. Inthis magnetic type index filing system, thin steel wafers or shims aresandwiched between two pieces of paper which are sealed together to formthe index cards. These cards, with the metal insert on both sides, reactwith permanent magnets located on each side of a file tray in such amanner as to cause individual cards to separate or fan apart wherevercards converge at opposing angles. The magnetic system achieves thecompactness of vertical filing, but true or full visibility ofindividual cards is limited due to the lack of control over theseparation of cards. In the reference area, where the V" is created, forexample, as many as 25 cards may be separated or fanned within a 3% inchspan. The result is that only the very top edge of each card canactually be viewed; and since one-quarter inch is required for aone-line title and one-half inch for microfiche titles, the visiblefeature of the magnetic file is limited.

As will become apparent from the description of the invention whichfollows, the disadvantages of the previously described prior art systemsare overcome due to the highly novel and unique design of the fileelements and file receptacle of my invention.

The system of my invention not only allows extremely high density filingof fully protected file elements but, at the same time permits rapidinformationretrieval. Rapid retrieval is made possible by a uniquemechanical interaction among the file elements in the form of backingcards or divider cards (and hereinafter in this paragraph referred to asbacking cards") within the file, whereby the individual backing cardscan be caused to separate or fan apart at their top portions when thebacking cards converge at their bottom edges from opposing angles underslight pressure. This mechanical interaction, which will be described indetail hereinafter, basically involves providing an added thickness orfulcrum laterally across each backing card and below center vertically,usually near the bottom edge, which serves as a pivot axis around whichthe adjacent backing card in the file can rotate when the backing cardsare held compactly together or slightly compressed at their bottomedges. To control this pivotal action the backing cards are providedwith receptacle engaging means for positioning them in the file in sucha manner that they are forced to pivot around the fulcrum when theirlower edges are urged together. These engaging means permit the backingcards to move freely longitudinally, but eliminates relative verticalmovement.

Prior art patents which represent the closest art known to applicant andwhich clearly demonstrate the novelty of applicants invention asdescribed and claimed herein are the following:

-Continued Patentec No. Issue Date Copeland 2.|69.3l8 Aug. I5. 1939Wurzburg 2.l7l.l05 Aug 29, i939 McDermott 2,284,586 May 26, l942 Jonas2,329,20l Sept. I4, 1943 Short 237L713 Mar. 20, i945 SUMMARY OF THEINVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide a unique visualindex filing system in which vertically filed, generally planar fileelements such as individual backing cards or dividers cards, can becompactly filed within a novel file container and can expeditiously becaused to precisely separate or fan apart as a result of mechanicalinteraction among adjacent backing cards to provide complete visibilityof the title area of any selected group of backing cards. The term fileelement" as used in this application is a broad term and includes theparts herein referred to as the backing card or "divider card, as wellas any mechanical equivalent thereof.

It is another object of the invention to provide a novel file elementadapted for use with similar file elements in a file container orreceptacle providing means for supporting the group of file elements inlateral alignment one behind the other, in which the file elementincludes receptacle engaging surfaces for pivotally supporting the fileelement within the receptacle in substantial vertical alignment withadjacent file elements and in which the file element is provided with anoutwardly protruding, laterally extending fulcrum or pivotal axisadapted to cooperatively engage the next adjacent file element in amanner so as to urge pivotal movement of the adjacent file element aboutthe fulcrum when the file elements are caused to converge at their lowerextremities from opposing angles when held compactly together or underslight pressure.

It is another object of the invention to provide a novel filing systemof the aforementioned character in which the file elements are providedwith file container engaging surfaces in the form of locking notchesdisposed near the bottom of the side portions of each file element so asto permit the file elements to freely pivot on supporting members in theform of locking strips disposed adjacent the base of the file containeror tray. Each file element is also provided with a laterally extendingfulcrumlike protrusion or series of protuberances positioned so as topivotally engage the next adjacent file element in the container. Thenovel mechanical interaction between the adjacent file elements andbetween each file element and the locking strips of the tray permits theelements to be freely moved longitudinally of the container and also atthe touch ofa finger to be fanned apart at the desired section of thefile to expose to view the face of a desired single file element in thefile and holds the filing elements in position on the locking stripprohibiting vertical movement during operation or falling out of thefile accidentally and yet permits the easy removal of the elements fromthe file.

It is another object of the invention to provide a novel filing systemas described in the preceding paragraphs in which there is provided afront panel adapted to be disposed either vertically or at an angle anda cooperating back panel which may be positioned longitudinally withinthe file container either vertically or at an angle. With the front andback panel located in its normal vertical orientation within the trayand the back panel correctly positioned longitudinally of the tray, thefile elements within the file container are compactly held in an erectevenly spaced relationship.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a novel filingsystem of the aforementioned character in which the novel file elementsare provided with a fulcrum or pivotal axis in the form of alternatingpatterns of pivoting embossments or protuberances arranged so that whenthe front and back panels are set at an angle relative to the normalvertical storage orientation of the file elements, the pivotingembossments work together with the pivoting embossments of the adjacentfile element to permit the file elements to be effortlessly fanned apartto form a V-shaped opening. Because of the unique configuration andarrangement of the pivoting embossments and the supporting surfaces orlocking notches, the file elements will remain fanned apart to mark thespot for refiling of the file material if it is removed from thecontainer.

It is another object of my invention to provide a filing system of thecharacter described in which the file elements or backing cards arespaced apart a distance to provide a space to receive data elements suchas data cards therebetween which are accessible when the backing cardsare fanned. My invention includes means for supporting the data cardsimmediately above the fulcrum means of the backing cards to prevent thelow portion of the data cards from moving into the fulcrum area. Theterm "data element" is a generic term which refers to a data card,microfilm, microfiche, envelope, or the mechanical equivalent thereof.

Another object of the invention is to provide a filing system aspreviously discussed in which the file elements are resiliently flexibleand in which the pivoting embossments or protuberances thereon areconfigured and arranged so that when a group of file elements is inposition within the file tray, there is a spring-like action betweenadjacent elements which encourages the fanning action or pivotalmovement of the elements about the locking strips, and which alsopermits varying to some degree the number of elements or data ele mentswithin the file tray without substantially affecting the fanning action.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a filing system ofthe class described in which the file elements are resiliently flexibleand are provided with spacing means in the form of protuberancesarranged in alternating patterns so that when a group of file elementsis in position within the file and the front and rear panels are in thevertical position, the file elements are evenly spaced.

A further object of the invention is to provide a filing system in whichthe file elements are so spaced that portions of the front face adjacentthe upper edge thereof are visible and thus a file element can beidentified by suitable indicia thereon. In this connection, it is anobject to provide a system wherein the file elements are evenly spacedin a manner to allow the use of lines or other indicia printed on thefront face of the file elements adjacent the top edge to be clearlyvisible across the top of the group of file elements, thereby permittingthe file elements to be related visually to information, schedules orindicia provided at the front, at the back or intermediate the file.

Another object of the invention is to provide a filing system whereinthe construction of the file elements and the file receptacle is such asto result in minimum surface friction between the file elements and thereceptacle during operation or movement of the file elementslongitudinally of the receptacle or tray.

In summary, these and other objects on my invention are achieved by anovel filing system comprising a file element receptacle for housing agroup of generally planar file elements in alignment one behind theother, a plurality of file elements within the receptacle each having aplanar body, receptacle engaging means for supporting the element withinthe receptacle and fulcrum means adapted to cooperatively engage thenext adjustment file in a manner so as to urge pivotal movement of saidadjacent element about the fulcrum when the file elements are caused toconverge at their lower edges and supporting surfaces extendinglongitudinally of the receptacle for supporting the file elements withinthe receptacle in substantial vertical alignment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of thefiling system of the invention showing the file receptacle with fileelements contained therein as they appear in a storage mode.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the filing system as itappears in a data retrieval mode.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one form of file element of theinvention comprising a file element in the form of a backing card ordivider and a data element shown here as a sheet of film or microfichewhich is partly broken away to illustrate the manner in which it issupported by the divider.

FIG. 4 is a foreshortened elevational cross-sectional view of theforward portion of the system in a data re trieval mode illustrating thefile elements in a fanned apart configuration.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of area "A" of FIG. 4 showing the cooperativeinteraction between the file elements in a fanned apart configuration.

FIG. 6 is a foreshortened elevational cross-sectional view of theforward portion of the system in a storage mode with the file elementsin an upright position within the file.

FIG. 7 is a view taken along lines 7-7 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a portion of a group of file elements shownhere for purposes of illustration as planar backing cards as they appearin an upright, longitudinally relaxed orientation within the receptacle.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a portion of a group of file elements in theform of planar backing cards as they appear in an upright storageorientation within the receptacle with the body of file elements placedunder longitudinal compression.

FIG. 10 is a transverse cross-sectional view of another form of myinvention showing file elements and a file receptacle of slightlydifferent construction.

FIG. 1 l is a transverse cross-sectional view of still another form ofthe invention.

FIG. 12 is a view taken along lines 12-12 of FIG. 11 showing anotherform of file element construction.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawingsand more particularly to FIGS. 1, 2, 6 and 7, the numeral 12 generallydesignates a file container or receptacle of box-like form for holding aplurality of file elements 14a. The container is shown as havinglongitudinal side walls 16, a rear wall 18, a front wall 20 and a bottomwall 22. A cover (not shown) may be provided if desired. As best seen inFIG. 7 in this embodiment of the invention, side walls 16 have an offsetportion forming longitudinally extend ing, generally horizontalshelf-like portions 26. These shelf-like portions support a pair oflocking members, the purpose of which will presently be described.

For purposes of illustration, the file elements I40 shown in FIGS. 1through 7 of the drawings comprise file elements in the form of backingcards or dividers 14a adapted to support removable data elements 14bshown here as microfiche elements. Data may be im printed directly on orembodied in the file element. or as shown in FIGS. 1 through 7, the datamay be embod ied in a separate data element or data card 14b which maybe integral with or separable from the file element. For certainapplications only the data element is typically removed from the file.For other applications the file elements 14a may be removed from thefile.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 7, the file elements have a planar bodyportion 28 and top, bottom and side portions 30, 32 and 34 respectively.I have found it preferable to construct them of a resiliently flexiblematerial so that when the body portion is flexed and released it springsback to its original planar shape and has no tendency to take a setposition. By way of example, I have found that plastics, such as rigidpolyvinyl or polyester sheet material are particularly suitable forforming this type of file element.

As best seen in FIG. 7, in this embodiment of the invention the sideportions 34 of the file elements 14a are offset near their bottomextremities to conform to the offset side walls of the container.Provided in the region of the offset are oppositely disposed receptacleengaging means, shown here in the form of notches 36 having surfacemeans 37 interrupting the side portions 34 of the planar body. Thenotches 36 and the flange means 37 constitute a hold-down or lock-downmeans whereby the backing cards are held in position with the fulcrummeans on the horizontally extending fulcrum line. The receptacleengaging means serves the purpose of pivotally supporting each fileelement within container 12 in substantial vertical alignment withadjacent file elements.

Proximate the bottom edge 32 of each file element there is providedfulcrum means adapted to cooperatively engage the body portion of theadjacent file element within the group of file elements contained in thereceptacle in a manner so as to urge pivotal movement of the adjacentfile element about the fulcrum means when the file elements are causedto converge at an angle at their bottom edges, in the manner shown inFIGS. 4 and 5. The fulcrum means protrudes outwardly from the planarbody of the file element and extends laterally thereof along a line 38disposed generally parallel to and spaced apart from the bottom edge 32of the file element. In this form of my invention, the fulcrum means isshown (FIG. 7) to comprise a plurality of protuberances 42 distributedin a substantially evenly spaced relationship along line 38 which isbelow the walls 37 from one side of planary body 28 to the other. Thefulcrum means may take the form of protuberances formed by the additionof material to the file element, or they may be formed by embossing thefile element in evenly spaced locations along line 38. When formed inthe latter manner, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, different embossingpatterns are used on adjacent file elements to eliminate nesting whichwould occur with a single aligned pattern. The fulcrum means of myinvention cooperate between adjacent file cards 14a to space the fileelements apart as shown so that removable data containing cards of dataelements may be inserted between the file elements or backing cards 14a.The fulcrum means forms a fulcrum line for each backing card 14a andthis line is positioned at or preferably slightly below the walls 37.

To accomplish the uniform spacing of the file elements within thereceptacle, each file element is provided with spacing means shown herein the form of a plurality of protuberances 44 which are similar inconfiguration to the previously described protuberances 42. At least onerow of protuberances 44 is provided on each file element body along aline substantially parallel to the lateral centerline 38 ofprotuberances 42 and spaced apart therefrom in a direction toward thetop edge of the file elements. In the drawings (FIGS. 3 and 7) I showone row of spacing embossments evenly spaced along line 46. Additionalrows of spacing protuberances may be provided for certain applications.While, for purposes of illustration, 1 only show nine spacing andpivoting protuberances on the file elements, the number in actualpractice might be varied to achieve the desired compressive tensionamong file elements. Also in this connection in the drawings the size ofthe protuberances has been exaggerated to facilitate illustration. Byway of example, when the file element consists of a card having athickness of on the order of 0.010 inches, I have found thatprotuberances having a height of anywhere from two to five times thethickness of the card perform quite satisfactorily both as spacing andpivoting protuberances.

The protuberances themselves in the embodiment of the inventionillustrated are formed in the body of the file element by embossing orthe like, and thus a dimple is formed on the front face of each fileelement coincident with the protuberances on the rear face thereof.

As previously mentioned, adjacent file elements as positioned in thereceptacle are provided with fulcrum and spacing protuberances orembossed patterns which do not register. Thus, referring to FIGS. 8 and9, it will be seen that on the foremost file element, designated 14c andshown here for purposes of illustration in the form of a planar card,the embossed pattern is such that the protuberances are disposedintermediate those of the next adjacent card, designated 14d. It is onlynecessary to have two patterns and to arrange the cards alternately inthe file to accomplish this, and the individual cards can readily beidentified by a suitable marking or difference in shape, such as byhaving an upper corner portion alternatively square and rounded, or byotherwise coding the element.

Preferably. the embossed pattern is such that the protuberances of onefile element are disposed substantially midway between the protuberancesof the elements adjacent thereto as is apparent in the drawings. withthis arrangement it is possible to achieve maximum compression of agroup of the file elements as shown in FIG. 9, and when this is done theportions of each file element body between the individual protuberancesare bent in tension to form arches 50 over the protuberances of the nextadjacent file element and the entire group of compressed elements thusbecomes spring loaded. Consequently, when the compressing force isreleased, the elements spring back to their original position, as shownin FIG. 8. It will be apparent that the size, number, position andspacing of the protuberances are factors upon which the tension of theindividual file elements will depend when a group of file elements iscompressed. In the form of the invention shown in the drawings thebacking cards are restrained from raising out of place in the containerand there is contact along the fulcrum means. Contact along the fulcrumline combined with a lock-down means for preventing backing cards frombeing raised out of place contributes to the fanning action described inthis application. A slight pressure between the file cards 14a and theirfulcrum means is desirable.

It will be noted that, by reason of the spacing of the file elements,the front surface of each element adjacent its upper edge is visible andconsequently this area may be provided with indicia, such as vertical,laterally spaced lines or the like. In this way the elements can berelated visually to information, schedules or indicia provided at thefront, at the back or intermediate the file so as to expediate retrievalor information from the file.

In the construction thus far described I have shown an embossed patternof what may be termed dimpled protuberances or projections; however, Icontemplate that any means which will provide small protuberances on thesurface of a file element may be used and it is not essential that theelement be embossed. Also, other patterns or means for spacing the fileelements may be used. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 12, thefulcrum means and file element spacing means may take the form ofelongated rigid but yieldable elements such as strips of plasticmaterial 52 and 54 which may be permanently or removably affixed to thebody 28 of the file card element.

Referring now to FIG. 7, for the purpose of centering a group of fileelements in the receptacle 12, which is of greater internal width thanthe length of such elements, I provide a guide for centering means inthe form of side guide elements 56 between the end edges of the elements14a and each side of the receptacle or file. Each guide has a thin, flatbody 58 provided with a downwardly inclined section 60 at its upper edgeand a terminal upwardly inclined section 62. The members may be metal orplastic but the material should have resiliency or spring quality. Theside guides'56 serve to center and align the file elements, being sodimensioned as to be placed in slight compression by the body of theelements, designated 14' in FIG. 6. The downwardly inclined sections 60serve to guide the file elements into place as they are inserted in thefile.

A significant advantage of the side guides is that there is only minimumfriction between the elements in the file and the side guides, and thusthe file is easy to work with as an entire group of file elements can bemoved back and forth with ease and without abrasion to the edges of theelements. The side guides are particularly helpful in certain types ofvisually indexed files where precise lateral alignment of the fileelements is essential.

As best seen in FIG. 6, at the front of the container 1 provide a frontpanel 64 made of rigid sheet material and having a main planar body 66provided with a forwardly extending downwardly inclined flange 68 at itsupper edge terminating in a depending lip 70.

In FIGS. 4 and 6 I show diagrammatically how the panel member 64 is usedin the system. FIG. 6 shows the normal storage position of the filecontainer or receptacle and its contents with the front panel member 64and the file elements upright. The body of file elements 14' is heldcompactly in position between the front panel member and an adjustableend plate or panel 72 which, if desired, may be adjustably positionedlongitudinally of the file. In this form of my invention the front wall20 of the receptacle 12 is provided with an upright portion 74 and asloping portion 76 interconnected by a generally horizontally extendingsteplike element 78. With the file in storage mode, front panel member64 is positioned within the container 12 so that depending flange 68 isin engagement with the inner wall of upper portion 74 of panel 20. Inthis position, with the front end rear panels in a vertical orientationthe file elements are held generally vertically within the container.The walls engaging the group of cards constitute a means to positionsaid backing cards and said fulcrum for holding the backing cards andfulcrum means to that the backing cards will pivot around the fulcrummeans on the fulcrum line as pointed out herein.

FIGS. 2 and 4 illustrate how readily access maybe gained to a selectedpart of the file so as to provide complete visibility of the title area43 of any group of file elements. By moving the front panel 64 and rearpanel 72 into the positions shown in FIG. 4, the forces tending to holdthe file elements in vertical position are relieved and a first portionof the body of elements 14a can be tilted forwardly and a second bodyportion tilted rearwardly. This movement of the file elements at thearea of interest within the file causes the file elements near theseparation point between the first and second file element body portionsto converge at their lower extremities from opposing angles. As bestseen in FIG. 5, this convergence pressure near the bottom of eachelement causes the top of each file element within the group to pivotabout the fulcrum means, in this case protuberances 42, of the nextadjacent file element with the result that the file elements willsmartly fan apart at their upper edges into the position shown in FIGS.2, 4 and 5.

It is to be appreciated that various types of front and rear panels canbe used to alternately hold the file elements vertically within the filecontainer in the storage mode and permit them to separate during theretrieval mode. Also the front and rear panels may be eliminated and thefile container may be designed with sloping front and rear walls tosupport the file elements within the file.

As shown in FIG. 2, the front and rear panel members can be inscribedwith indicia 75 corresponding to indicia on the file elements orintermediate spacers to facilitate locating file elements of interestwithin the file.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1-7, the file elements14a are locked in the file by the cooperative interaction of thereceptacle engaging means or opposing notches 36 and support means forsupporting the file elements for pivotal movement relative to the sidewalls of the container. The support or locking means shown here is inthe form of a pair of longitudinally extending locking strips or members80 protruding inwardly from the side walls of the container a sufficientdistance so as to extend into the notches 36 formed in the side portionsof each planar body of the file elements. As shown in FIG. 7, membersare positioned within receptacle 12 so that the lower edge portions ofthe file elements are spaced apart from the bottom of the receptacle andcan move freely relative thereto. With the construction illustrated, thelateral center line of the fulcrum means or protuberances 42 closelycoincides with but is slightly below the lateral center line of thelocking members as shown best in FIG. 5, and the file elements arecaused to pivot freely thereabout, As shown best in enlarged FIG. 5, thedata elements 14b rest on the member 80 and they are thereby preventedfrom slipping downward between the fulcrum protuberances and an adjacentcard which would result in disturbing the functioning of the fulcrummeans by changing the pressure of contact between the file elements ordata cards and fulcrum means. Also, with the data element in thisposition the data element is always readily removable upon the fanningof the file elements. As will be seen from the foregoing, the member 80comprises a support means for the file element or backing card, ahold-down means or locking means for the file element, and a means forsupporting the data element so that it will not drop down to interferewith the fulcrum means. When the file elements are caused to converge atopposing angles at the base of the V formed at the selected locationwithin the file between the first and second portions of the body oftile elements, they will precisely and expeditiously fan apart asillustrated in the drawings. It is to be noted that the locking memberspermit the file elements to move freely longitudinally of the containerbut substantially eliminate their vertical or lateral movement. Thenumber of file elements which will be included in the group fanned apartwithin the V angle is a function of the thickness of the fulcrum meansand its location relative to the bottom of the card. Therefore, byvarying the thickness of the fulcrum means and the location of thefulcrum means relative to the bottom or convergence point of the fileelements, the angle of the V and the number of dividers which will fanapart in the V can be accurately controlled.

As shown in FIGS. 1 through 7 of the drawings, the file element 14a isshown in the form of a backing card or divider card 14a. Placed inspaces provided between the backing cards are the removable dataelements 14b in the form of a data card or microfilm. It is necessary toprovide holding means for holding the data element in position againstthe file element when the file elements are fanned apart. As best seenin FIGS. 5 and 7, the holding means in this embodiment are provided inthe form of a plurality of protuberances 79 formed on each file elementalong a line 81 substantially parallel to and spaced apart from thelateral center line 38 of protuberances 42. As previously mentioned,data elements 14b rest upon locking strips 80 and, therefore,protuberances 79 are preferably located along a line parallel to andslightly above the plane of the locking strips so that they will engagethe data elements near their lower edges and hold them firmly againstthe divider.

The protuberances 79 are larger than the protuberances 42 which form thefulcrum means, and they, therefore, grip the lower edges of the datacards and hold them against the forward face of a rearward backing card.The protuberances 79 constitute spacer means and function to space thedata elements spaced from the rearward surface of the forward positionedbacking card. both when the backing cards are fanned and parallel.

When the data elements 14b are in the form of microfiche it is importantthat the spacing protuberances and the holding protuberancesrespectively be located along lines above and below the data bearingportions of the microfiche so as to avoid scratching or otherwisemarring the film. Also with this form of data element, the height of thespacing protuberances is of necessity less than the height of theprotuberances forming the fulcrum means so as to compensate for thethickness of the data element.

The file elements, once fanned apart as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5,will remain in open position when an individual data element is removed.This clearly marks the exact spot for refiling of the element, therebyelimi nating the need for a marker or out card." Insertion and removalof file elements in the form of backing cards, divider cards, filecards, envelopes and the like, is readily accomplished by slightlybowing or bending the file element so as to foreshorten its width suffi'ciently to permit the element to be disengaged from the support means orlocking strips.

Although in the form of the invention described in the precedingparagraphs the file elements are con strained to pivot about the supportmeans or locking members 80, I have found that a similar fanning actioncan be achieved with a variety of support meansreceptacle engaging meansconfigurations. For example, the file elements can be be provided withreceptacle engaging means in the form of fingers protruding outwardlyfrom their side portions. In this embodiment the receptacle is providedwith longitudinally extending finger receiving grooves or slots whichpivotally support the file elements within the file. In another form ofmy invention, the file card elements rest on the bottom of the containerwith the lower edge of the elements forming the receptacle engagingmeans and the bottom of the receptacle forming the support means.

Another form of my invention is illustrated in FIG. 10. In thisembodiment the receptacle or file 12a is similarly provided with steppedside walls, here identified by the numeral 82, but the width of thecontainer in the region of the stepped portion 84 is only slightlygreater than the width of the file elements. The container is formed sothat the side walls slope slightly outwardly from the stepped portionand thereby serve to guide the file elements into position within thecontainer. With this construction the centering means or side guideelements can be eliminated, since the side walls of the container serveto center the file elements therewithin.

For purposes of illustration, the file element 14 shown in FIG. is ofslightly different design and is shown in the form of a backing card ordivider 86 adapted to support a data element 88. Divider 86, likepreviously described file elements is provided with notches 90 in itsside portions which cooperate with locking strips 92 to hold the elementin vertical alignment within the container. The divider shown also has acut out portion 94 formed proximate its upper margin so as to expose toview the title area of the data element. This configuration of dividerhas the advantage of permitting easy removability of the data elementwhile at the same time providing support to the upper corners of theelement.

FIG. 11 shows still another form of the invention in which the containerside walls 100 slope directly outwardly from the bottom of thecontainer. The stepped portions of the side walls have been eliminatedin this form of the invention, and the side walls are formed so as toinclude inwardly protruding support means shown here in the form of apair of longitudinally extending rib portions 102 formed integrally withthe side walls 100. The width of the file is such that the side walls inthe region of the locking ribs 102 serve to center the file elementswithin the file, thereby eliminating the need for separate side guidemembers.

The file element 14a, illustrated in FIG. 11, is in the form of anotched backing card I04 adapted to display data imprinted on its face.The notches 108, which in this instance comprise the receptacle engagingmeans, are formed near the lower edge of the element and are shaped soas to cooperate with ribs 102 to hold the file element in verticalalignment within the container. In this embodiment, as in previouslydescribed embodiments, the file elements 14a pivot about the supportmeans, in this case ribs 102.

As noted earlier, the fulcrum means and the spacer means, in the form ofthe invention shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, are of a slightly differentconfiguration from those previously described. The fulcrum means isshown here as comprising a strip of yieldable plastic, paper or similarmaterial 54 which can be permanently or removably affixed to the fileelement. The shape of element 54 is generally triangular in crosssection so as to provide a pivotal axis about which the adjacent fileelement can pivot when the lower edges of the file elements are movedtogether in the manner previously described.

The spacing means is shown in this form of the invention as alsocomprising a strip of yieldable plastic, paper or like material 52 ofgenerally triangular cross section which can be permanently or removablyaffixed to the file element.

Strips 52 and 54 can be formed integrally with the file element, can beseparately constructed and permanently bonded to the file element, orthey can be separately constructed and mechanically clipped to orotherwise removably affixed to the file element.

I claim:

I. A filing system of the class described, the combination of:

a. a file receptacle having spaced apart longitudinal side walls forcontaining a group of backing cards positioned one behind the other;

b. a plurality of backing cards supported in said receptacle inside-by-side relationship, one behind the other and having substantiallyplanar bodies and side, bottom and top edges;

c. fulcrum means positioned along a fulcrum line near the bottom edgesof said backing cards and cooperatively engaging adjacent backing cardscontained in said receptacle;

cl. means in said receptacle operating to position said backing cardsand said fulcrum means to cause relative pivotal movement of adjacentbacking cards about said fulcrum line when a number of said backingcards are caused to converge at their bottom edges and thus causefanning ofa limited number of backing cards; and data element supportmeans for supporting data elements which may be positioned betweenadjacent backing cards to prevent such data elements from movement intoa position between said backing cards and said fulcrum means.

2. A combination as defined in claim 1 including lock-down meanscooperating between said receptacle and said backing cards to restrainsaid backing cards fromraising upwardly from their normal operatingposition and for holding said fulcrum means substantially on saidfulcrum line so as to prevent any substantial change in the pressure ofcontact between said backing cards and said fulcrum means.

3. A combination as defined in claim 2 in which said lockdown meanscomprises flange means extending inwardly from the side wall of saidreceptacle and notch means formed in said backing card means to receivesaid flange means.

4. A combination as defined in claim 2 in which said backing cards areof substantially rectangular configuration and in which said lock-downmeans is in the form of flange means extending inwardly from the sidewalls of said receptacle into notches formed in the side edges of saidbacking cards, and in which said fulcrum means comprises a plurality ofprotuberances horizontally arranged along said fulcrum line, saidprotuberances of adjacent cards being offset to provide forcompressibility of the group of backing cards in said receptacle.

5. A combination as defined in claim 1 in which said fulcrum meansincludes a plurality of protuberances extending from said backing cardsin substantial horizontal alignment near but spaced from the lower edgeof said backing cards and along said fulcrum line, and means for holdingsaid backing cards and said protuberances in contact with each other,and said protuberances acting not only as fulcrum means but also asmeans for spacing said backing cards to provide a space for receiving adata element, and a data element in one or more of said spaces, eachsuch data element being supported by said data element support means.

6. A combination as defined in claim 1 in which said fulcrum meansincludes a plurality of protuberances extending from said backing cardsin substantial horizontal alignment near but spaced from the lower edgeof said backing cards and along said fulcrum line, and means for holdingsaid backing cards and said protuberances in contact with each other,said protuberances acting not only as fulcrum means, but also as meansfor spacing said backing cards to provide a space for receiving a dataelement, and a data element in one or more said spaces, each suchbacking card being supported by a backing card support means, and inwhich said backing card support means extends along the longitudinalside walls of said receptacle and is located at or above the fulcrumline of said fulcrum means and permits said backing cards to pivot ormove longitudinally of said receptacle.

7. A combination as defined in claim 1 in which said means to positionthe backing cards, which is element (d) of claim 1 is arranged toconverge downwardly and serves as a means for holding said backing cardsand fulcrum means in contact while permitting the upper portions of anumber of said backing cards to fan outwardly.

8. A combination as defined in claim 7 in which said means to positionsaid backing cards and fulcrum means, which is element (d) of claim 1 incontact has converging walls movable into parallel positions to hold thebacking cards in vertical arrangement.

9. A combination as defined in claim 1 in which said fulcrum meansincludes a plurality of protuberances extending from said backing cardsin substantial horizontal alignment and in which the protuberances ofadjacent backing cards are offset from each other whereby a group ofbacking cards can be compressed in a direction normal to their planeswith the individual backing cards flexing under compression.

10. A combination as defined in claim I in which said backing cards areseparated to form spaces therebetween for receiving data elements insuch spaces, data elements in one or more of said spaces which rest onsaid means for supporting said data elements, and data elements grippingmeans for holding said data element when said backing cards are infanned relationship.

11. A filing system of the class described, the combi nation of:

a. a tile receptacle having spaced apart longitudinal side walls forcontaining a group of backing cards positioned one behind the other;

b. a plurality of backing cards in said receptacle positioned inside-by-side relationship, one behind the other and having substantiallyplanar bodies and side, bottom and top edges;

0. fulcrum means positioned near the bottom edges of said backing cardsand cooperatively engaging between adjacent backing cards contained insaid receptacle;

d. backing card support means in said receptacle for supporting saidbacking cards with said fulcrum means positioned along a fulcrum linewhich extends from one side of said receptacle to the other; means insaid receptacle operating to position said backing cards and saidfulcrum means to cause relative pivotal movement of adjacent backingcards about said fulcrum line when a number of said backing cards arecaused to converge at their bottom edges and thus cause fanning of alimited number of backing cards; and

f. data element support means for supporting data elements which may bepositioned between adjacent backing cards to prevent such data elementsfrom movement into a position between said backing cards and saidfulcrum means.

12. A combination as defined in claim 11 in which said backing cards arespaced apart to provide a space for receiving data elements between saidbacking cards, and a data element in one or more of said spaces.

13. A combination as defined in claim 12, including means on a forwardlypositioned backing card engageable with said data element for holding itagainst the forward face of a rearwardly positioned backing card.

14. A combination as defined in claim 11 in which said backing cards arespaced apart to provide a space for receiving data elements between saidbacking card, a data element in one or more of said spaces, and meansnear the top edges of said backing cards for holding said backing cardsin spaced relationship when said backing cards are parallel to eachother.

15. A filing system of the class described, the combination of:

a. a file receptacle having spaced apart longitudinal side walls forcontaining a group of backing cards positioned one behind the other;

b. a plurality of backing cards supported in said receptacle inside-byside relationship, one behind the other and having substantiallyplanar bodies and side, bottom and top edges;

c. fulcrum means positioned along a fulcrum line near the bottom edgesof said backing cards and cooperatively engaging adjacent backing cardscontained in said receptacle;

d. means in said receptacle operating to position said backing cards andsaid fulcrum means to cause relative pivotal movement of adjacentbacking cards about said fulcrum line when a number of said backingcards are caused to converge at their bottom edges and thus causefanning of a limited num' ber of backing cards;

e data elements positioned between one or more of said backing cards;and

f. means on the back of a forwardly positioned backing card forreleasably holding each such data element against a rearwardlypositioned backing card, and spaced from the forwardly positionedbacking card.

16. A filing system of the class described, the combination of:

a. a tile receptacle having spaced apart longitudinal side walls forcontaining a group of backing cards positioned one behind the other;

b. a plurality of backing cards in said receptacle positioned inside-by-side relationship, one behind the other and having substantiallyplanar bodies and side. bottom and top edges;

c. fulcrum means positioned near the bottom edges of said backing cardsand cooperatively engaging between adjacent backing cards contained insaid receptacle, said fulcrum means holding said backing cards in spacedrelation to provide a data element receiving space;

d. means in said receptacle operating to position said backing cards andsaid fulcrum means to cause relative pivotal movement of adjacentbacking cards about said fulcrum line when a number of said backingcards are caused to converge at their bottom edges and thus causefanning of a limited number of backing cards;

e. a data element in one or more of said spaces; and

. data element supporting means positioned below said data elements forreleasably supporting said data elements to prevent same from movinginto a position between said backing cards and said fulcrum means.

17. A combination as defined in claim 16 including means for holdingeach such data element against the forward face of a rearwardlypositioned backing card when said backing cards are in fannedrelationship.

18. A filing system of the class described, the combination of:

a. a file receptacle having spaced apart longitudinal side walls forcontaining a group of backing cards positioned one behind the other;

b. a plurality of backing cards supported in said receptacle inside-by-side relationship, one behind the other and being spaced apartto provide data element receiving spaces between adjacent backing cards;

0. fulcrum means positioned between said backing cards along a fulcrumline near the bottom edges of said backing cards and cooperativelyengaging adjacent backing cards contained in said receptacle;

d. means in said receptacle operating to position said backing cards andsaid fulcrum means to cause relative pivotal movement of adjacentbacking cards about said fulcrum line when a number of said backingcards are caused to converge at their bottom edges and thus causefanning ofa limited number of backing cards;

e. a data element positioned in one or more of said spaces, said dataelements having planar bodies; and

f. spacer means on the back of a forwardly positioned backing card forforming said space between adjacent backing cards, said spacer meansholding said data element against the forward surface of a rearwardlypositioned backing card holding such data element spaced from therearward surface of the forwardly positioned backing card.

19. A combination as defined in claim 18 in which said backing cardsforming said data elements receiving spaces provide a forward surfaceand a rearward surface defining each such space, and in which saidspacer means comprises protuberances on said rearward surface engageablewith said data element and holds such data element against said forwardsurface and spaced from said rearward surface.

* i I i i

1. A filing system of the class described, the combination of: a. a filereceptacle having spaced apart longitudinal side walls for containing agroup of backing cards positioned one behind the other; b. a pluralityof backing cards supported in said receptacle in side-by-siderelationship, one behind the other and having substantially planarbodies and side, bottom and top edges; c. fulcrum means positioned alonga fulcrum line near the bottom edges of said backing cards andcooperatively engaging adjacent backing cards contained in saidreceptacle; d. means in said receptacle operating to position saidbacking cards and said fulcrum means to cause relative pivotal movementof adjacent backing cards about said fulcrum line when a number of saidbacking cards are caused to converge at their bottom edges and thuscause fanning of a limited number of backing cards; and e. data elementsupport means for supporting data elements which may be positionedbetween adjacent backing cards to prevent such data elements frommovement into a position between said backing cards and said fulcrummeans.
 2. A combination as defined in claim 1 including lock-down meanscooperating between said receptacle and said backing cards to restrainsaid backing cards from raising upwardly from their normal operatingposition and for holding said fulcrum means substantially on saidfulcrum line so as to prevent any substantial change in the pressure ofcontact between said backing cards and said fulcrum means.
 3. Acombination as defined in claim 2 in which said lock-down meanscomprises flangE means extending inwardly from the side wall of saidreceptacle and notch means formed in said backing card means to receivesaid flange means.
 4. A combination as defined in claim 2 in which saidbacking cards are of substantially rectangular configuration and inwhich said lock-down means is in the form of flange means extendinginwardly from the side walls of said receptacle into notches formed inthe side edges of said backing cards, and in which said fulcrum meanscomprises a plurality of protuberances horizontally arranged along saidfulcrum line, said protuberances of adjacent cards being offset toprovide for compressibility of the group of backing cards in saidreceptacle.
 5. A combination as defined in claim 1 in which said fulcrummeans includes a plurality of protuberances extending from said backingcards in substantial horizontal alignment near but spaced from the loweredge of said backing cards and along said fulcrum line, and means forholding said backing cards and said protuberances in contact with eachother, and said protuberances acting not only as fulcrum means but alsoas means for spacing said backing cards to provide a space for receivinga data element, and a data element in one or more of said spaces, eachsuch data element being supported by said data element support means. 6.A combination as defined in claim 1 in which said fulcrum means includesa plurality of protuberances extending from said backing cards insubstantial horizontal alignment near but spaced from the lower edge ofsaid backing cards and along said fulcrum line, and means for holdingsaid backing cards and said protuberances in contact with each other,said protuberances acting not only as fulcrum means, but also as meansfor spacing said backing cards to provide a space for receiving a dataelement, and a data element in one or more said spaces, each suchbacking card being supported by a backing card support means, and inwhich said backing card support means extends along the longitudinalside walls of said receptacle and is located at or above the fulcrumline of said fulcrum means and permits said backing cards to pivot ormove longitudinally of said receptacle.
 7. A combination as defined inclaim 1 in which said means to position the backing cards, which iselement (d) of claim 1 is arranged to converge downwardly and serves asa means for holding said backing cards and fulcrum means in contactwhile permitting the upper portions of a number of said backing cards tofan outwardly.
 8. A combination as defined in claim 7 in which saidmeans to position said backing cards and fulcrum means, which is element(d) of claim 1 in contact has converging walls movable into parallelpositions to hold the backing cards in vertical arrangement.
 9. Acombination as defined in claim 1 in which said fulcrum means includes aplurality of protuberances extending from said backing cards insubstantial horizontal alignment and in which the protuberances ofadjacent backing cards are offset from each other whereby a group ofbacking cards can be compressed in a direction normal to their planeswith the individual backing cards flexing under compression.
 10. Acombination as defined in claim 1 in which said backing cards areseparated to form spaces therebetween for receiving data elements insuch spaces, data elements in one or more of said spaces which rest onsaid means for supporting said data elements, and data elements grippingmeans for holding said data element when said backing cards are infanned relationship.
 11. A filing system of the class described, thecombination of: a. a file receptacle having spaced apart longitudinalside walls for containing a group of backing cards positioned one behindthe other; b. a plurality of backing cards in said receptacle positionedin side-by-side relationship, one behind the other and havingsubstantially planar bodies and side, bottom and top edges; c. fulcrummeans positioned near the bottom edges of saId backing cards andcooperatively engaging between adjacent backing cards contained in saidreceptacle; d. backing card support means in said receptacle forsupporting said backing cards with said fulcrum means positioned along afulcrum line which extends from one side of said receptacle to theother; e. means in said receptacle operating to position said backingcards and said fulcrum means to cause relative pivotal movement ofadjacent backing cards about said fulcrum line when a number of saidbacking cards are caused to converge at their bottom edges and thuscause fanning of a limited number of backing cards; and f. data elementsupport means for supporting data elements which may be positionedbetween adjacent backing cards to prevent such data elements frommovement into a position between said backing cards and said fulcrummeans.
 12. A combination as defined in claim 11 in which said backingcards are spaced apart to provide a space for receiving data elementsbetween said backing cards, and a data element in one or more of saidspaces.
 13. A combination as defined in claim 12, including means on aforwardly positioned backing card engageable with said data element forholding it against the forward face of a rearwardly positioned backingcard.
 14. A combination as defined in claim 11 in which said backingcards are spaced apart to provide a space for receiving data elementsbetween said backing card, a data element in one or more of said spaces,and means near the top edges of said backing cards for holding saidbacking cards in spaced relationship when said backing cards areparallel to each other.
 15. A filing system of the class described, thecombination of: a. a file receptacle having spaced apart longitudinalside walls for containing a group of backing cards positioned one behindthe other; b. a plurality of backing cards supported in said receptaclein side-by-side relationship, one behind the other and havingsubstantially planar bodies and side, bottom and top edges; c. fulcrummeans positioned along a fulcrum line near the bottom edges of saidbacking cards and cooperatively engaging adjacent backing cardscontained in said receptacle; d. means in said receptacle operating toposition said backing cards and said fulcrum means to cause relativepivotal movement of adjacent backing cards about said fulcrum line whena number of said backing cards are caused to converge at their bottomedges and thus cause fanning of a limited number of backing cards; e.data elements positioned between one or more of said backing cards; andf. means on the back of a forwardly positioned backing card forreleasably holding each such data element against a rearwardlypositioned backing card, and spaced from the forwardly positionedbacking card.
 16. A filing system of the class described, thecombination of: a. a file receptacle having spaced apart longitudinalside walls for containing a group of backing cards positioned one behindthe other; b. a plurality of backing cards in said receptacle positionedin side-by-side relationship, one behind the other and havingsubstantially planar bodies and side, bottom and top edges; c. fulcrummeans positioned near the bottom edges of said backing cards andcooperatively engaging between adjacent backing cards contained in saidreceptacle, said fulcrum means holding said backing cards in spacedrelation to provide a data element receiving space; d. means in saidreceptacle operating to position said backing cards and said fulcrummeans to cause relative pivotal movement of adjacent backing cards aboutsaid fulcrum line when a number of said backing cards are caused toconverge at their bottom edges and thus cause fanning of a limitednumber of backing cards; e. a data element in one or more of saidspaces; and f. data element supporting means positioned below said dataelements for releasably supporting said data elements to prevent samEfrom moving into a position between said backing cards and said fulcrummeans.
 17. A combination as defined in claim 16 including means forholding each such data element against the forward face of a rearwardlypositioned backing card when said backing cards are in fannedrelationship.
 18. A filing system of the class described, thecombination of: a. a file receptacle having spaced apart longitudinalside walls for containing a group of backing cards positioned one behindthe other; b. a plurality of backing cards supported in said receptaclein side-by-side relationship, one behind the other and being spacedapart to provide data element receiving spaces between adjacent backingcards; c. fulcrum means positioned between said backing cards along afulcrum line near the bottom edges of said backing cards andcooperatively engaging adjacent backing cards contained in saidreceptacle; d. means in said receptacle operating to position saidbacking cards and said fulcrum means to cause relative pivotal movementof adjacent backing cards about said fulcrum line when a number of saidbacking cards are caused to converge at their bottom edges and thuscause fanning of a limited number of backing cards; e. a data elementpositioned in one or more of said spaces, said data elements havingplanar bodies; and f. spacer means on the back of a forwardly positionedbacking card for forming said space between adjacent backing cards, saidspacer means holding said data element against the forward surface of arearwardly positioned backing card holding such data element spaced fromthe rearward surface of the forwardly positioned backing card.
 19. Acombination as defined in claim 18 in which said backing cards formingsaid data elements receiving spaces provide a forward surface and arearward surface defining each such space, and in which said spacermeans comprises protuberances on said rearward surface engageable withsaid data element and holds such data element against said forwardsurface and spaced from said rearward surface.